As someone who spends a lot of time on social media (more than I'd like to admit), I've noticed some "trends" that really need to stop ASAP. We have a little over two months left of 2016, so let's strive to leave these things there aka where they belong.
1. Being "Savage"
For those that aren't aware, being called "savage" is a compliment given to a person who calls people out and/or is blunt. Basically, it's a "cool" way to be a total do*che bag. I'm sick of seeing people being "roasted" (another idiotic term) online because all it does it just create a bad atmosphere. Constantly getting into social media fights isn't something to be proud of. Although I've posted the occasional questionable post, I am aware of potential employers on social networks. One thing to note when you think you're being "cool", is that no employer will ever hire you solely for being mean to someone else.
2. Being Offended By Things That Don't Affect You
One day I'll tell my children that at one point in my life people were offended over a red cup. They'll look at me and be utterly confused at the idea and I'll reassure them that yes, it is as stupid as it sounds. This might be shocking, but other people's decisions (as long as they aren't harmful), actually don't affect you. Your next door lesbian neighbors actually aren't hurting anything. In fact, you could say that they're just regular people who are in love *gasp!*. The kid in your class who was born a boy but identifies as a girl also isn't harming you. Instead of judging people for their personal choices, let's focus on some real issues. Next year is bound to be another sh*t show, so let's do all that we can to focus on that.
3. Body Shaming
If I see one more Snapchat of a fat person working out at the gym with laughing emojis next to it, I might just explode right on the spot. You're the worst kind of person if you do that to other people. The same goes with people who are extremely skinny. You have absolutely no idea what goes on in other people's lives, so before you begin to comment on someone else's appearance, don't. Don't be the person who comments on a Facebook picture of someone who is overweight and pretends to care about their health. As mentioned before (see #2), someone else's weight is their business and their business only - it does not actually affect you. Believe me, overweight people know they're overweight. You didn't solve an unknown problem by pointing it out.
4. Thinking Your Boyfriend Is An ATM
Ladies, it is 2016 so why are you still acting like your boyfriend is your personal checking account. Before you pull the it's-a-man's-job-card, why don't we look at it from a different perspective. If you're both in college, working part-time, and paying for your own schooling, then why is he the one who has to foot all the bills? This isn't what love is supposed to be about. Equally splitting date night is a totally common thing to do and it lets both parties help each other. You don't need to date a bank account to feel loved and appreciated.
5. Harambe Jokes
Come on, you knew this had to be on here. At first, I'll admit I found some of the memes quite creative and a little funny. The jokes of the situation brought light and also controversy to the matter, but it has totally lost the meaning behind the outrage. Trends of the internet tend to fade fast (remember The Harlem Shake?), but unfortunately, this doesn't seem to die out - see, even I'm guilty of these stupid jokes. I'll just be glad when I never see another "d*cks out for Harambe" shirt, song, or hat. Let's let the sleeping dogs lie and move on with life.
So as 2016 is nearing an end, let's encourage each other to stop being such do*chebags. The world is a scary place and the annoying habits that continue to be present on social media, isn't making anything better.
